The Free Range Pastor Update:

WARNING: I've been thinking...

Because of you…

We’re stepping into Year 4.

And I’ve been reflecting on what we’ve learned together—

the people we’ve encountered

and the ways we’ve been invited to walk with them.

I’ve had a few people ask:

What do you know now that you didn’t know then?

What has become clear?

Trying to name it

Recently, I tried to put it into a single line—

something simple enough to fit on a coffee coaster.

The first two words came quickly:

Wandering.

Wondering.

But the third word… I got stuck.

Wounded didn’t feel right.

Too narrow. Too clinical.

So I reached out to friends who’ve been walking closely with us—

Cam and Mickey Plott.

After a few texts back and forth, Cam sent one word:

Weary.

Boom! That's it!

Cam and Mickey Plott circled here at Mickey's 60th birthday party that he threw for everyone else.

What we’re seeing

People are wandering—trying to find their way.

People are wondering—asking deeper questions.

People are weary—carrying more than they were meant to carry.

And often… they don’t know who to call.

What has become clear

The work is not complicated.

We simply show up as shepherds.

Seeking.

Gathering.

Tending.

Because of you

The Free Range Pastor is not a lone ranger.

Because of you, this work is carried by the His Church—

sending a shepherd to go where one is needed,

even when no one knows to ask for one.

Looking ahead

In the coming weeks, I’ll share a few simple glimpses of what this has looked like.

For now, seriously, Thank you!

This is what we’ve been learning together:

Shepherding the Wandering,

the Wondering,

and the Weary.

An ancient mission for a timely season.

— Ken

P.S. Earlier this week, I shared with our monthly supporters how their ongoing support helps ease financial pressure for Jeanette and me—and frees me to do this kind of work.

Bob Greenman replied:

Let's Pray...

We thank the Spirit for establishing and sustaining the mission of The Free Range Pastor over these past three years.

We thank Jesus, the Good Shepherd, that He cares deeply for those who wander, wonder, and are weary—and that He is at work in this world, drawing them to Himself.

We thank the Father for His love, expressed through a Gospel zeal that sends shepherds to seek, gather, and tend souls beyond the traditional bounds of the Church.

We thank our Triune God for the Church in all its forms—

for those making space in their lives, friendships, homes, and congregations

for those willing to step toward community.

And we pray for those trying to find their way,

asking deeper questions,

and carrying more than they were meant to carry.

Father, seek them.

Jesus, gather them.

Spirit, tend and restore them.

Amen, and Amen!